Determining the manufacture date of your Remington 870 shotgun can be a fascinating journey into its history. Knowing the year of production can add to its value, help with parts identification, and simply satisfy your curiosity about this iconic firearm. Unfortunately, there isn't a publicly accessible, centralized database where you can simply input a serial number and receive the exact manufacture date. However, several methods can help you narrow down the timeframe.
Understanding Remington 870 Serial Numbering Systems
Remington's serial number system isn't straightforward; it's evolved over the decades of the 870's production. The system isn't strictly chronological, meaning higher serial numbers don't always indicate later production. Factors like production runs, model variations, and even factory changes can influence the serial number sequence. This makes pinpointing the exact date challenging, but not impossible.
Key Factors Affecting Serial Number Interpretation:
- Model Variations: The serial number's meaning can vary slightly depending on the specific Remington 870 model (e.g., Wingmaster, Express, Police).
- Production Location: Remington's manufacturing location could also influence the serial number assignment.
- Year of Manufacture: As mentioned, the serial number isn't a direct year indicator; rather, it falls within a certain range of years.
Methods for Estimating Your Remington 870's Manufacture Date
While an exact date is elusive, these methods can provide a reasonably accurate estimate:
1. Utilizing Online Resources and Forums:
Several online forums dedicated to firearms, particularly Remington 870s, are invaluable resources. Experienced collectors and enthusiasts often share information, helping each other decipher serial numbers. These forums allow you to post your serial number and receive assistance from the community. Remember to always exercise caution and verify information from multiple sources.
2. Consulting Remington's Archives (If Possible):
While Remington no longer provides this service directly to the public, contacting Remington's customer service or exploring their archival resources (if accessible) might yield some results. This is a long shot, but worth considering as a last resort.
3. Examining the Shotgun Itself:
Carefully inspecting the shotgun for markings other than the serial number can provide clues. Look for any markings on the barrel, receiver, or other parts that might indicate the year or manufacturing period.
4. Cross-referencing with known Serial Number Ranges:
Through research on online forums and collector resources, you can find compiled lists of approximate serial number ranges for specific years. These lists, while not exhaustive, offer a useful starting point for estimating your shotgun's age.
Important Considerations:
- Accuracy Limitations: Remember, even the most thorough research might only provide an approximate range of years, not a precise date.
- Information Reliability: Always cross-reference information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy.
- Respecting Privacy: When sharing your serial number online, be mindful of your privacy and avoid sharing any personally identifiable information.
This guide provides a comprehensive approach to investigating your Remington 870's manufacture date. While pinpointing the exact date is difficult, combining these methods should provide a fairly accurate estimate. Happy researching!
